Kele Blog

Tariff Alternatives & Beyond

Posted on by Kele Inc

1/30/19 UPDATE:
Earlier this month, Kele expanded its product matching solution to nearly 1,000 frequently purchased items. Finding alternatives, accessories, and related parts is now even easier. The update also includes a “Customers Also Bought” section for products that have full cross-reference information. Customers see what other customers typically buy with the product they are viewing. Products without full cross-reference information now feature a “Top Sellers” section containing the top-selling products in the category of the product being viewed. Shop now and see how easy it is to find the products you need.

Kele Introduces Product Matching Solution

Initiative enhances customer user experience and buying process.

Need to quickly find a product accessory? What about an alternative to a tariffed part?

A new feature on kele.com makes this process simple and intuitive. Customers can now view and select accessories, related products, and direct or functional alternatives on the same page/screen as the original product they intend to buy.

Last month, Kele launched phase one of its product matching solution on kele.com across 50 frequently purchased products. A selection of products affected by the recent 25 percent tariff on Chinese imports was also included. As suppliers continue to pass along tariff costs, these product alternatives will be added where relevant.

Although uncommon on most BAS e-commerce platforms, customers will find the user experience familiar and similar to many top-tier consumer e-commerce sites. Customers will soon see what other customers typically buy when buying the product they are currently viewing as well as top sellers overall on kele.com

“What started as an effort to respond to the tariff impact quickly evolved into a bigger opportunity to help our customers win,” said Chief Marketing Officer John Strawn. “The goal is to provide as many relevant solutions as possible and do that as seamlessly as possible.”

In addition to “Customers Also Bought” and “Top Sellers,” phase two of the product matching initiative will expand to 1,000 frequently purchased items. Subsequent phases with more products added will follow.

Back to Basics: Don’t Let a Mismatched Signal Delay Profitability

Posted on by Kele Inc

The profitability of a small job can be erased by even the slightest delay. Some delays are unavoidable. However, delays caused by mismatched signals are. Kele frequently hears from customers in the field who need fast delivery of replacement parts due to a signal mismatch.

For example, the input for the replacement may be 4-20 mA, but the old one is 0-10 VDC, which is what is coming from the controller. Job stalled! A delay so close to completion means the project’s profit is sitting, waiting…for the “right part.”

Regardless of what incorrect signal you have, Kele’s Universal Analog Transducer—the UAT-1—can bridge the gap to move the job forward and keep revenue flowing. Keeping one of these handy devices in your truck will allow you to change any analog input signal (current, voltage, or resistance) into any current or voltage output signal you need. Something as simple as a mismatched signal should not cause a job delay, and Kele’s UAT-1 ensures it will not.

Give Kele a call, and we will be happy to go over the capabilities and field calibration of the device.

Thank You, Veterans: Honoring Our Own

Posted on by Kele Inc

Veterans Day, celebrated each year on November 11, was initially called Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The war ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year. It was in 1954 that President Eisenhower first called it Veterans Day.

Today, we celebrate Veterans Day as a day to honor the men and women who served our country in the military in order to uphold the freedoms given to the citizens of our nation. We join with others in our great country by honoring all veterans and can think of no more appropriate way than to highlight several of our own. 

Meet Kele employees who proudly served our country. Join us in saying “Thank you” by leaving comments below. 

Ricky Ellis has been with Kele for 23 years. He is a Label Specialist. Ricky served in the Army for three years as a US Army PFC/E-3 Cannon Crewman/Field Artillery. He served at Fort Bliss and in South Korea. 

“Following the footsteps of my dad and two brothers, I joined the Army fresh out of high school in 1986. Being an 18-year-old, I was nervous, not scared, because I was heading to Fort Sill, Okla. to join my two older brothers. Being able to serve my country was a privilege. It picked up where my parents left off by teaching dignity, responsibility, discipline, etc. When I received orders to South Korea, it was quite a challenge. Guarding the DMZ (Korean Demilitarized Zone) and knowing your enemy was just yards away really opened my eyes.”

Stephanie Brower has been with Kele for 10 years. She is an Account Manager. Stephanie served in the Army for 18 months active duty and more than three years Ready Reserves. As a Private First Class, she served in Camp Hovey, South Korea.

“I learned a lot of interesting things from training. I spent five months in electronics training at Fort Sill, Okla., which eventually lead me to my current career. I met one of my best friends in basic training, and we still correspond and visit when we are able. I’m glad that I served even though my time was short. I learned self-reliance and physical limits; the importance of teamwork; and how important it is to be able to rely on and trust the people you work with.”

Quinn “Sully” Sullivan has been with Kele for more than four years. He is the Facilities & Safety Manager. Quinn served in the Marine Corps for four years as a Private First Class/Aviation Ordnancemen on the AV8BB Harrier. He served in Cherry Point, N.C.

“I joined the Marine Corps in 2007 with the intention of serving my country any way I could. I spent the next four years stationed at Cherry Point, N.C. with VMAT-203 working on the weapon systems for the AV8BB Harrier. I had the fortune of serving with a group of remarkable Marines and developing some of the best friendships I have ever had. I can honestly say I loved every day in the Corps. Due to injuries I sustained in the service, I was unable to continue past my first four years. While this was difficult to deal with when I first got out, I soon found myself working here at Kele. While I do not do the same thing here, I enjoy the people and the work just as much.”

Keith Freeman has been with Kele as the Outbound Distribution Manager since February 2016. Keith served in the Army for four years active service and two years in the Army Reserve. As US Army- SPC(P)/Generator Mechanic/TAMMS Clerk, he served in Bad Kreuznach, West Germany and Fort Carson, Colo.   

“During my tour in Germany, I was selected to be on the Inspector General team for V corp. I was responsible for inspecting all peripheral support equipment (generators, pumps, etc.) to ensure mission capable status. I was also selected to be on a 10-man team to compete in a NATO obstacle/skills completion, where my team placed second. I was also on the All USAEUR (US Army Europe) championship volleyball team. My time in the military had a huge impact in shaping the man I am today. It instilled in me the value of teamwork, integrity, honor, and commitment. I learned that the only true failure is to quit trying.”

Dan Randall has been with Kele as the Distribution Center Manager for six years. Dan served in the Navy for four years as US Navy 3rd Class Petty Officer Fire Control Technician Guns. He served aboard the USS Miller FF1091.

“I joined the Navy when I graduated high school. I was very thankful that I served in peacetime as the Vietnam troop withdrawal started within a month of my joining the service and completing boot camp. I served aboard the same ship for four years and was fortunate enough to serve with a great team. Our ship was affectionately dubbed the USS Never Home. Our Captain always told us that sailors belong at sea not in port. So, we went to sea a lot. I cruised the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and completed an eight-month NATO cruise with various NATO nations. We were able to cross-train month and experience life aboard their ships. All were very different from a Navy ship. As part of the NATO cruise, I became a Blue Nose. That signifies that we sailed above the Arctic Circle.  As I look back on my short career, it was a great opportunity for a kid from a small town in Iowa to experience the world for four years. I wouldn’t trade that experience or the exposure to other countries and cultures for anything.”

Bill Ward has been with MIControls since 2001 on the Sales Support team. Bill served in the U.S. Navy for three years of active duty and three years in the Navy Reserve. He was stationed in Long Beach, Calif. as an SK 3rd Class.

I joined the Navy right after graduating from high school. I was a 17-year-old young man looking for guidance at that point in my life, and the Navy provided the path to get me headed in the right direction. My job was to order supplies, manage and track ship inventory, and maintain accounting records.

The Navy also provided me with the opportunity to leave home in Portland, Ore. for the first time and travel on two WESTPAC (Western Pacific) tours. I met some great people along my journey who helped me grow and mature into the man I am today. My service was one of the best experiences of my life, and I’m thankful for all I was able to learn and achieve during those six years. The lessons taught to me about discipline, respect, effort, and hard work still greatly influence how I go about my personal and professional life.

Bryan Summers has been with Kele for four years and is a Distribution Clerk III. Bryan served in the Army. He completed basic training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sill, Okla. As a Private First Class, he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and later deployed to Kuwait.

“My experience in the Army taught me about diversity, how to get along with others from different backgrounds, and that blood isn’t the only thing that makes you family.”

Ryan Stemmerman has been with Kele as a Purchasing Agent for three months. Ryan served in the Coast Guard for nine years as a Gunnersmate 1st Class. He served aboard several Coast Guard Cutters.

“I joined the Coast Guard in 2006 after graduating high school. I specialized in major caliber weapons, including the MK75 76mm, MK110 57mm, and MK38 25mm weapons systems. I conducted advanced-level maintenance/repair on the weapons systems and gun mount training with personnel. I deployed to the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean on a regular basis, conducting counter narcotic and counter migrant operations. This kept illegal drugs and migrants off of American streets. I enjoyed my time in the Coast Guard and made many lifelong memories and friends. My job at Kele is nothing like my job in the Coast Guard, but I take many of the lessons I learned and apply them here daily.”

Should you add a bypass to your VFD?

Posted on by Kele Inc

Sponsored by Honeywell

The steps and considerations for selecting a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) are mostly straightforward. In fact, the nameplate on the motor usually provides the essential information, such as voltage and horsepower. Once you determine whether it will be installed indoors or outdoors, and if it needs communication, you’re almost done!

The final question is often the most misunderstood: Is a bypass needed? Why or why not? Let’s look at when you should include a bypass and the different types of bypasses available.

Kele offers five configuration options of the Honeywell Smart VFD.

Option 1 is the drive only without any disconnect or bypass. The most common is Option 2, which includes a fused disconnect. These disconnects are required by most electrical codes and a good idea in general. If your electrician does not add a disconnect during installation, you can order one with your new drive.

Option 3 is a 2-contactor bypass, and Option 4 is a 3-contactor bypass. Both are designed to minimize system downtime should the VFD fail. These bypasses are ideal for facilities that run 24/7 and can neither afford downtime nor wait for after-hours repairs, such as a big-box store or casino. The difference between the two centers on how easily the failed drive can be replaced. If a VFD fails, the motor it controls will stop running completely.

A 2-contactor bypass allows a technician to flip the switch, bypass the VFD, and the motor will resume running at 100 percent speed. Eventually, the systems should be shut down in order to safely replace the drive.

A 3-contactor bypass adds another contact before the drive that removes power going to the VFD when placed in bypass mode. This means that if the VFD fails, it will be bypassed to maintain motor operation, and the VFD can also be safely removed and replaced with a new unit without interruption in motor operation. This is the main difference between a 2- and 3-contactor bypass:

  • With a 2-contactor bypass, you must kill the power before changing the VFD.
  • A 3-contactor bypass allows the VFD to be changed while in bypass mode with the motor running.

The final option to consider when selecting a VFD is a 3-contactor bypass with auto changeover. This is typically used only in mission critical spaces that are constantly occupied and cannot tolerate downtime. A hospital operating room is a perfect example. The built-in fault contact on the VFD is monitored by the bypass and automatically bypasses the drive if it begins to have problems. This basically eliminates any loss of service while the VFD is being repaired or replaced. This option is rarely needed in a typical HVAC application.

As you may have guessed, bypasses are complex and can add substantial cost to an already higher-cost device. Typically, a bypass is only added at the request of the customer or if required by a spec. In most cases, a simple fused disconnect provides plenty of protection.

Call Kele with your specific VFD needs, and we will find the right drive for you!

A Flow Meter with Features That Raise the Bar, Not the Price

Posted on by Kele Inc

Kele offers a variety of flow meters for commercial applications. The FLOMEC® QSE Mag Meter from Great Plains Industries delivers impressive performance and innovative features for a competitively priced mag meter. Launched in late 2017, the QSE Mag Meter is an excellent choice for water/ wastewater, cooling tower deduct, turf, landscape, and other water reclamation applications.

The QSE reads flow rates with an accuracy of ± 0.5% and provides cumulative total monitoring in applications. With no moving parts, the QSE permits open unobstructed flow, minimizing flow disturbances and straight pipe requirements, resulting in less maintenance and downtime. The wide turndown ratio of 60:1 reads accurately at low flow rates to detect unintended fluid transfer and measure total volume of fluid movement.

The QSE provides an optional input/output interface module, the QSI, that can be used with many telemetry applications. The QSI offers basic 4-20mA and pulse outputs, a BTU calculator allowing for temperature inputs, data logger, and Modbus protocols through an RS-485 connection.

Additionally, the QSE uses Bluetooth® wireless technology—compatible with the FLOMEC mobile phone app—for complete meter configuration and programming in minutes. This allows real-time viewing of meter operation and the ability to receive technology downloads and feature upgrades via Bluetooth. For contractors, this means ease of use and programming without expensive software.

Learn more about the FLOMEC QSE Mag Meter.

View the QSE data sheet here.

Kele Can Help You Plan for Tariff Impact

Posted on by Kele Inc

Update — September 28, 2018: On Sept. 17, the Trump administration announced a new 10 percent tariff on an additional $200 billion of Chinese imports. The tariff became effective Sept. 24 and will increase to 25 percent on Jan. 1, 2019. The list of affected product types grew to nearly 6,000. Read more at the links below:

United States Trade Representative announcement

Final tariff list

August 31, 2018: The 25 percent tariff on Chinese imports could have far-reaching implications across the BAS industry. Enacted by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in July and August, the tariff was imposed on $50 billion of products imported from China. The tariff may expand to an additional $200 billion of Chinese imports in the future.

The list of product types subject to the 25 percent tariff grew in August to more than 1,000, including products in the manufacturing and construction industries. However, the full tariff-related dollar impact on a product depends on whether it is a finished good or a component. Finished goods will be hit with the highest tariff.

Affected products can be identified via a Harmonized Tariff Code, and manufacturers have begun the process of confirming the country of origin of their related lines. How cost effects are being handled varies by manufacturer. Some are taking a “wait-and-see” approach while others are adjusting list prices and/or adding a surcharge based on the tariff impact. List price increases and surcharge amounts also vary.

What does this mean for BAS contractors and their customers?

Essentially, cost increases on numerous products for the duration of the tariff. While unknowns exist, many suppliers will begin or continue passing along tariff-driven costs over the coming months. This introduces the potential for mid-project material inflation and the inherent hassle of managing that with your customers.

Kele can help you mobilize now! Here’s how:

  • Products already in stock at Kele will not be subject to tariff-related increases.
  • If you need products that will be affected by the tariff in the future, Kele can source these products now to avoid a cost increase.
  • Kele can also help you select alternative parts from more than 400 suppliers.
  • If bidding on a project, Kele can help plan, source, organize, and ship the right products.

With more than 1.8 million parts in stock—including a variety of Kele-branded parts—we will find a solution that helps you keep winning. Contact Kele today!

What you need to know:

  • USTR recently imposed a 25 percent tariff on $50B of products imported from China. More tariffs looming.
  • Impact varies by product. Finished goods will receive the highest tariff.
  • BAS manufacturers handling differently—some with list price increases and/or surcharges.
  • Total impact on BAS contractors unknown, but cost increases will hit.
  • Kele can help you plan and source products before the tariff takes full effect.

 

Helpful tip:

Tell your customers. Proactive communication is key. Be sure they know how the tariff may affect them. And assure them you are planning now to reduce the impact.

The Protection Zone: Applying Surge Protectors

Posted on by Kele Inc

Surge protectors are relatively simple devices, yet they must be carefully selected and applied to function properly. When selecting and applying surge protectors, there are a few essentials to keep in mind.

First, the operating voltage of the system is important. Surge protectors are voltage-sensitive switches and must not clamp the normal system voltage. The surge protector clamp voltage must be higher than the system voltage. For example, a 24 VDC system voltage generally uses a 30-volt surge protector.

Second, some surge protectors have an input side and an output side. If installed backwards, they will fail prematurely.

Lastly, grounding is often misunderstood when it comes to proper installation of surge suppressors. This can seriously affect the performance of protection systems and lead to electronics damage. Use the Protection Zone Concept to effectively apply surge protectors to EMS and BAS installations.

 

THE PROTECTION ZONE CONCEPT

The Protection Zone

The protection zone is an imaginary circle drawn around and encompassing electronic equipment items that are located in close proximity to each other (see Figure 1). Everything passing through the imaginary circle should be commonly grounded and should have surge protection.

 

The Single Point Ground

The single point ground is a common ground point or node used in the protection zone to bond together all ground references inside the zone. Surge currents passing through a ground conductor generate a voltage across the conductor. This is primarily due to inductance of the wire. Inductance is highly dependent on conductor length; therefore, it is very important to keep suppressor ground wires to the single point ground very short.

The Protection Zone Window

The protection zone window is a hypothetical small opening in the zone through which all electrical conductors enter or leave. The single point ground is located at the protection zone window.

Figure 2 illustrates a typical installation of equipment within a small area; however, there are three problems associated with the installation depicted.

Problem #1

There are four ground references in Figure 2. AC outlet #1, AC outlet #2, AC outlet #3, and the data line all present separate ground references. The three AC outlet grounds are connected together at the power panel many feet away. The ground wire lengths offer enough inductance to effectively create separate grounds. In addition, the data line may run hundreds of feet to yet another ground reference in remote circuitry.

Problem #2

Notice in Figure 2 that there is substantial distance between various conductors leaving the imaginary circle of the protection zone. Even if ground conductors were bonded together, destructive voltages would exist during a surge due to wire inductance.

Problem #3

While the data line shows a surge suppressor, the lack of suppressors in the power receptacles leaves an opening in the protection zone. Even the best data line suppressor cannot prevent damage under these conditions.

The problems listed for the installation in Figure 2 are solved using the Protection Zone Concept. Figure 1 illustrates the proper installation:

  • All devices are powered from the same AC outlet.
  • The AC service incorporates a Model HSP-121BT1RU surge suppressor.
  • The single point ground is established in the protection zone window.
  • Data line suppressor(s), Model PC642C, are added at the single point ground.
  • A ground bus bar is located at the ground area to facilitate multiple ground connections.
  • Ground wires to the suppressors are very short.
  • An optional (depending on code) ground conductor connects the ground bus to the main building power ground. This conductor may be quite long, but that does not create a problem now that the ground area has been established.

PROTECTING MULTI-BUILDING DATA AND CONTROL SYSTEMS

The Protection Zone Concept can also be applied to multi-building, multi-drop data and control systems. In Figure 3, the surge protectors located at the building entrance are improperly positioned to protect the CPU and the controllers. During lightning activity, ground potentials at opposite ends of a building can be thousands of volts, causing damage to electronic equipment.

Also, surge protectors for data lines that enter buildings have series resistance. The series resistance of the surge protectors is additive. The total series resistance often is too great and can cause communication or data line problems. The installation in Figure 3 shows five protectors in series over the length of the data line.

To properly configure surge protection on a multi-building, multi-drop system (see Figure 4), connect the surge protector on each controller drop so that the protector is not in series with the main data line. When connected in this manner, no more than two surge protectors are connected in series. Using the Protection Zone Concept, locate the data line surge protectors within the protection zone window along with an AC service outlet surge protector for each respective controller. Remember to keep the ground connections to the single point ground very short.

 

SUMMARY

Remember the following when applying surge protection:

1. Keep all grounds inside the protection zone at the same potential. If different ground potentials are present on electronic equipment, damage will occur regardless of the suppression used.

2. Protect all electrical and data circuits entering or leaving the protection zone at the protection zone ground window. Doing this keeps circuits at a safe voltage with respect to the ground window. This safe voltage is the clamp voltage (let-through voltage) of the respective suppressors.

The majority of surge protection installations are fairly simple and only involve bonding suppressor grounds to AC service grounds at the ground window. Existing sites may involve some rewiring to accomplish the best results. In order to keep the data line surge suppressor ground and AC service ground wires very short, wiring must sometimes be moved. When applying surge protectors, using the Protection Zone Concept will effectively protect EMS and BAS installations.

 

Tech Talk: How do surge suppressors protect circuits from harmful voltages?

Posted on by Kele Inc

Q:   How do surge suppressors protect circuits from harmful voltages?

A:   The short answer is that they shunt (“short out”) the high voltage to ground.

Each surge suppressor is connected to a specific circuit. It switches the connected power—or communication circuit—to earth ground much like an automatic “Off/On” switch. Or if the surge device is a fuse, it opens the connection, thus protecting the main device. The trick is to clamp at a voltage high enough for the control circuit to operate normally while dissipating highly damaging voltage to ground. This is called the “clamp level voltage” of the surge protector.

Certain high voltages happen very fast—sometimes as fast as microseconds (µ sec). Lightning is a perfect example. The table below shows many of the devices Kele offers. It also describes the “clamp level voltage” and speed of each protecting technology component built within the suppressor. Notice that many suppressors have multiple stages of components to better protect the circuits connected.

Learn more by reading, “The Protection Zone,” an insightful article describes how to place needed suppressors for equipment protection.

Click here to download a copy of the table below.

 

Are you choosing the correct flow meter?

Posted on by Kele Inc

Most buildings require some aspect of water flow and, often, BTU measurement. Several different flow sensor techniques can be used depending on need. These include water type, application, accuracy, required measurement, installation challenges, and cost effectiveness. Below is a table to help you determine which technique, product, and installation is most relevant for your project.

Kele offers a variety of products (shown below) from suppliers Badger Meter and Data Industrial that meet all aspects of these flow requirements. Continue reading “Are you choosing the correct flow meter?”

Changes at Kele to Help You Win!

Posted on by Richard Campbell, President & CEO, Kele, Inc.

The Kele family has been hard at work making some exciting changes. These changes are driven by our mission.

Our mission is to help you win by simplifying your supply chain and delivering an unrivaled customer experience through personalized solutions, innovative technology, an unparalleled product offering, and world-class logistics.

Here are a few of the changes we are making to help you win:

  • Added one Northeast and two West Coast locations, bringing people and products closer to you
  • Enhanced technology and logistics capabilities to serve you faster
  • Doubling the capacity of our UL panel shop
  • Expanding regional business development team in key markets to help you in person

Continue reading “Changes at Kele to Help You Win!”